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**ilbob** · 09-11-2008, 7:52 PM

Originally posted by diginit

I have tons of 7.92 x 57 (8mm mauser) cases. And will have more soon.
All berdan primed. I'd like to use these because they are Euro military ammo, seem very strong and are already fire sized. Any suggestions? For reloading the cases I mean....

TIA

some berdan primers have been available in the past, and rcbs makes a nifty tool to get the old primers out.

the problem with berdan primers is that availability currently is spotty and there are a number of different sizes used.

i have read that sometimes the flash holes can be drilled out and adapted to boxer primers but I have no idea how safe that is or whther it is even possible.

**ciscosixgun** · 09-11-2008, 8:39 PM

Try Old Western Scrounger if they are still around. They probably have berdan primers. I know RWS sells them.

**sargenv** · 09-12-2008, 8:46 AM

I think Old Western Scrounger has gone the way of the dodo.. I used to have their web site and I've tried looking for it but all I get are 404 errors or one of those things that park the web address. I hope they are still inbusiness though, they had some really unique stuff.

Ok, I just did a web search on "Old Western Scrounger"

A little history..

I knew them when they were up near Yreka CA..

I gather that they moved to Carson City, NV, probably to escape California's ammo manufacturing issues (my opinion)..

The last I have on them is that "Dangerous Dave" sold out to someone in West Virginia a couple years ago and you can read about that on the article at http://shootmgzine.blogspot.com/2006...s-to-west.html

I've checked out the web page that the new owner had only to get a 404 error. I read some things about the new place ina few blogs and most of it stated that it wasn't like when Dave had it. Likely it may have gone out of business or changed ip providers if it is still in business. I really don't know more than the articles I just read.

**gunboat** · 09-12-2008, 4:12 PM

There are few methods of converting berdan primers depending on their diameter -- But -- All methods require a lot of work and not worth the effort unless other brass is not available. I converted some 11mm mauser brass to use shotshell primers back in the 60's when other brass was not available. 7.35 Italian can be converted somewhat easier as the original berdan primer is smaller the a large rifle primer -- How to: remove berdan by your method of choice -- mash the berdan anvil flat, which will close the two flash holes -- drill new flash hole -- drill primer pocket to .208 diameter, make sure primer pocket is correct depth -- As you can see it is not a simple chore to be taken lightly. It is safe, but caution should be exercised with heavy loads ---- my two pennies

**Beelzy** · 09-12-2008, 4:41 PM

I would not recommend re-doing the flash holes for standard primers.
Too much work for little return, IMO.

**scrat** · 09-12-2008, 5:26 PM

Good luck. the primers are getting very very hard to find.

The water method is the best way of removing the primer. Basicly you fill about 1/2 full of water in the case. Then you use a small dowel with a piece of cloth around it kinda like a patch. Wet the cloth a cleaning patch usually works. Make sure the dowel is about the size of a bullet. kinda loose to put a patch over it. then put the Shell over a 1/2 inch nut or a 3/4 inch socket. Why a nut or socket. because it has a hole in the center for the primer to fall. a socket is usually the best. Especially if you get one to where the shells stays in place. Now take the wooden dowel with patch over it and start in down the throat. It should be tight.Then hit the dowel with a mallet. The water will go through the flash holes forcing out the primer. Once you get the dowel pased the bottle neck part the patch comes off and the dowel comes out easily. Then tap it upside down to get the rest of the water and patch out. I made a hook out of a paper clip. Do it outside on a bench or something and keep a bowl of water handy. to fill the cases up.

**CSACANNONEER** · 09-12-2008, 6:17 PM

I know someone who converted berdan primed 50BMG cases to take #35 primers. I have a few hundred berdan primed 50bmg cases but not the time or patience to convert them. FWIW, 8mm brass is cheap enough that I wouldn't waste my time trying to save berdan primed brass for anything but recycling.